Barcelona decide to part ways with veteran defender in the summer

Despite being signed as a utility option to reinforce the squad’s depth, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez used Marcos Alonso quite frequently last season.

The 33-year-old filled in for Alejandro Balde or Jordi Alba in the left-back position but also shone in the centre-back position by defending narrow leads and grinding out cagey wins.

Alonso ended up playing one of his best games against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, helping Barça win 1-0 with a robust defensive display.

However, this season, his importance has waned considerably. In fact, he has only played 299 minutes this time out, which is the least of any player on the team.

Alonso will leave as a free agent

Now, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, it is understood that Barcelona and Marcos Alonso will part ways at the end of the current campaign.

While there is great mutual respect between the team and the player, Alonso has decided to leave in June.

Marcos Alonso will leave Barcelona. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

The Catalan giants acquired Alonso on a free transfer after the Spaniard terminated his contract with Chelsea in 2022. As such, Barça are not expected to take a loss and would improve their wage bill with his exit.

It has been a difficult season for the Spaniard. Due to a back problem, the veteran defender had been out since November but finally made a comeback to the squad list against Atletico Madrid.

Still, he has yet to play any minutes since returning, and will not be staying beyond this season.

Barcelona’s full-back options next season

Alejandro Balde will be Barcelona’s only senior left-back going forward. They do, however, hope to permanently acquire Joao Cancelo, who is presently on loan from Manchester City.

Alex Valle, currently on loan at Levante from Barça, could also be an option. Moreover, Balde and Hector Fort together should provide Barcelona with ample coverage at full-back.